The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned American novelist and a key figure of the Jazz Age, has a fascinating connection to Great Neck, New York. This suburban community on Long Island served as a backdrop for a significant period in Fitzgerald’s life and inspired some of his most iconic work.

Fitzgerald’s Life in Great Neck

In 1922, Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, moved to Great Neck, where they rented a small house on the shores of Long Island Sound. This period was pivotal for Fitzgerald, coinciding with the writing and eventual publication of his most famous novel, "The Great Gatsby." The novel, a vivid exploration of wealth, ambition, and social status in 1920s America, reflects the opulence and excess that characterized the Jazz Age, which was very much alive in Great Neck and the surrounding areas.During their time in Great Neck, Fitzgerald was inspired by the affluent lifestyle of the community. Many of the characters and settings in "The Great Gatsby" draw from the social milieu of Long Island’s North Shore, a playground for the rich. The grandeur of the mansions, the lavish parties, and the pursuit of the American Dream in this locale are echoed throughout the novel.

Influence of Great Neck on “The Great Gatsby”

Great Neck’s affluent neighborhoods are believed to have influenced Fitzgerald’s depiction of East Egg and West Egg, the fictional locations in the novel representing old and new money, respectively. The rivalry between these two social classes mirrors the tensions Fitzgerald observed in his own surroundings. The themes of aspiration and disillusionment that permeate "The Great Gatsby" were fueled by Fitzgerald's observations of the extravagant lifestyles of his neighbors. (see below)Fitzgerald often attended social events and mingled with the wealthy elite, providing him with insights into their lives, which he adeptly critiqued in his writing. This experience deepened his understanding of the American class system, which is central to the narrative of Gatsby and the characters who inhabit his world.

Legacy in Great Neck

Fitzgerald's legacy continues to resonate in Great Neck. Destination: Great Neck has embraced its connection to the literary giant, with various tributes and references to his work. In 2021, the main thoroughfare at Cedar Drive was honorarily named "Great Gatsby Way". The Great Neck Library often hosts events and discussions about Fitzgerald's life and literature, fostering a deeper understanding of his contributions to American literature. The charming character of Great Neck, with its scenic views and historic architecture, offers a glimpse into the world Fitzgerald inhabited during his prolific years. The experiences he garnered in this vibrant community are intricately woven into the fabric of "The Great Gatsby," making Great Neck an integral part of Fitzgerald’s literary narrative. Today, his legacy lives on in this quaint Long Island village, inviting new generations to explore the intersections of wealth, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

The Great Gatsby and the Roaring Twenties on Long Island, NY

The 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, was a decade marked by significant social change, economic prosperity, and cultural dynamism. In literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece The Great Gatsby captures the essence of this vibrant era, particularly through its portrayal of Long Island,and more particularly, Great Neck, New York. The novel not only reflects the spirit of the times but also critiques the very society that embraced the excesses of the Jazz Age.

The Roaring Twenties: A Decade of Transformation

The 1920s was a time of dramatic change in America. After World War I, the nation experienced a cultural renaissance characterized by jazz music, flapper culture, and Prohibition. The economy boomed, and cities like New York became hubs of innovation and creativity. With the rise of the automobile and the expansion of the suburbs, Great Neck (and Long Island) emerged as a playground for the affluent, where opulent mansions dotted the landscape and extravagant parties became the norm.

Long Island: The Setting of The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald set The Great Gatsby in the fictional towns of West Egg and East Egg, which are often identified with the real-life communities of Great Neck and Sands Point on Long Island. These settings symbolize the stark contrast between old money and new money. West Egg, home to Jay Gatsby, represents the nouveau riche—those who amassed wealth quickly but lacked the social pedigree of their East Egg counterparts. In contrast, East Egg, where Tom and Daisy Buchanan reside, is a symbol of established wealth and social elitism.

The geography of Long Island plays a significant role in the narrative. The lavish parties at Gatsby's mansion reflect the hedonistic lifestyle of the era, while the desolate valley of ashes symbolizes the moral decay lurking beneath the surface of the glittering society. Fitzgerald's vivid descriptions of the Long Island landscape evoke a sense of both grandeur and emptiness, mirroring the characters' pursuits of happiness and fulfillment.

The Characters and Their Pursuits

At the heart of The Great Gatsby are characters who embody the desires and disillusionments of the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, epitomizes the American Dream. His extravagant lifestyle and relentless pursuit of Daisy Buchanan—a symbol of wealth and beauty—represent the longing for social acceptance and love. Yet, Gatsby's tragic fate reveals the emptiness of his dreams and the impossibility of achieving true happiness in a society driven by materialism.

Daisy Buchanan, portrayed as the quintessential flapper, embodies the allure and superficiality of the era. Her desire for wealth and social status ultimately leads to her moral compromise, highlighting the hollowness of the upper class. Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, represents the arrogance and privilege of old money, showcasing the deep-seated prejudices and corruption that underlie their seemingly glamorous lives.

The Cultural Impact of The Great Gatsby

Published in 1925, The Great Gatsby was not an immediate success, but it has since become a defining work of American literature. Its themes of ambition, love, and social stratification resonate with readers across generations. The novel serves as both a celebration and a critique of the Roaring Twenties, capturing the contradictions of a society caught between the desire for progress and the reality of moral decay.

The cultural impact of the book extends beyond literature; it has influenced fashion, film, and music. The aesthetic of the Jazz Age, with its opulent parties, Art Deco design, and flapper style, continues to inspire contemporary culture. 

Conclusion

The Great Gatsby remains a poignant exploration of the American Dream and the complexities of human desire. Set against the backdrop of Long Island during the Roaring Twenties, Fitzgerald's novel captures the exuberance and disillusionment of an era defined by excess. As we reflect on the past, Gatsby's story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of wealth and the enduring quest for meaning in a world driven by ambition and aspiration. The Roaring Twenties may have come to a close, but the legacy of this vibrant period and its representation in literature continue to resonate today.